How do you feel about people putting donation containers in stores.
By wrongway
@wrongway (277)
United States
February 23, 2009 7:37am CST
I went to the grocery store the other day and saw a plastic container on the counter for a man needing help because he was in a motorcycle accident, couldn't work right now, was homebound and needed financial help with his household bills and medical bills. Now normally I just drop my change in these buckets as everyone needs help now and then, however since I had to wait to pay my bill I read the front of the bucket and it got my blood boiling and really upset me.
As I said, the note stated he was in a motorcycle accident and homebound. It said he couldn't pay his bills both monthly and medical. I know this is a lie because I know this person. He is abusive to his wife, was drunk when he crashed his motorcycle, and he is a user. Oh he may be homebound right now because he is not allowed to drive a vehicle thanks to a judge who he had to appear in front of, but he does woodwork in his shed, goes out running around with friends and is still drinking. How dare he have these cannisters in the stores asking for donations!!! I am sure there are people out there that really need the change that people are dropping into "his" buckets. His wife is embarrassed but is afraid to say or do anything because of his abusiveness, and she even admitted that he is just trying to get free money.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for helping people who are having a hard time. I make and donate items from my shop for people to use in drawings and raffles to benefit others who are having a hard time and I put containers on my shop counter for donations for different orgaizations. I think there are plenty of organizations out there that help with food, clothing, household items and furniture when someone needs it. There are also organizations out there that help with money on a "one time" basis if someone can't pay their electric or needs money for a real necessity. However, after seeing a container for this man I now have a problem when I see these plastic containers on the counters at the grocery store, restraunt, bank, or other places where I shop. What do you think about them and how do you feel when you see them?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@jsitko (1169)
• United States
23 Feb 09
Hi Wrongway, I have seen such containers in our local stores as well. I am like you, I care and do donate what I can when I can. My blood would be boiling too if I found that a person of that character was wanting the world to feel sorry for him and wanting them to donate their hardworking money. He must have no shame. Now if the wife put out a bucket asking for donations to get her a place to live and out of that situation, then I would give whatever I could.
If the store you saw this in is a chain store, many of them do not allow such containers unless it is a program which the chain sponsors or they got their approval. Some are franchised stores and that is left up to the franchisee however some companies do not allow the franchisee have them either.
It is amazing too how word of mouth will keep minimal funds in that container. I often wonder too if some of these containers are made up to give the clerks extra money in their pockets, now I know that one you are talking about is not, but many could be.
Before I place money in the local containers, I make sure it is for a good cause and that it is known in the neighborhood or local news of the incident and the person needing the money.
@wrongway (277)
• United States
23 Feb 09
Well, when I saw the first one at a Subway I just couldn't believe it. I laughed and the cashier ask me why I was laughing so I told her about him. She said, "oh, so that's why several people looked at it and just laughed too". Guess this man's reputation preceeds him. Living in a small town can be a blessing unless you try to do something like this and everyone knows you.
I do a lot of work with a domestic violence shelter around here and have offerred to help his wife if she wanted to leave him but she is so afraid of him. She tried to leave him once before and it was not nice, so now she is afraid to try again. She said it is better to know where he is and ignore him than to have to watch her back all the time. I feel sorry for her but at the same time I can't help but feel she is stupid for staying. Guess you have to walk in someone's shoes before you understand.
@benny128 (3615)
•
23 Feb 09
I dont agree with putting money into charity boxes I know this sounds awful,
but within charities theres paid staff directors are usually earning alot of money now if I could guarantee 100% of my donation goes to the cause I would gladly help everyday of the week but only a percentage of your donation goes to cause.
Also as for people wanting money ie homeless etc etc I live in the city and see loads of people everyday I again dont put money aside in there as in the city where I live there are ways of all the homeless getting work selling big issue our council offers a scheme for homeless etc etc to work and earn money and have a roof over there heads if they do a few hours aday helping the council.
Everyone gonna give me a bad rating now but till the directors etc etc of organisations stop drawing a wage then my money will be invested in the local footie or youth club.
Hope you all reliese what I mean and I not againist helping people as rather buy someone a meal then give them a fiver so at least I know the money been spent on something good 4 them.
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
23 Feb 09
I am so poor that the thought never crosses my mind. I guess there are people who would resort to this kind of activities to try to get others to help them. I would not do it if it were me who needed help. I would prefer to do something to help myself than beg for charity. Cheers!!
@wrongway (277)
• United States
23 Feb 09
We all need help at one time or another and there is no shame in that, however like you I do believe that people need to try to help themselves at the same time. This guy is doing nothing to help himself and wants everyone to feel sorry for him and support him.
PS. Asking for help is not begging for charity. Once you get on your feet you can then help someone else and give help where you can to make life better for someone else. I hope your situation improves.
